Pickling and passivation

Pickling and passivation are essential processes for stainless steel to remove contaminants and enhance corrosion resistance. Pickling involves immersing stainless steel in an acid solution, typically nitric or hydrofluoric acid, to remove oxides, scale, and weld residues. This is followed by rinsing and neutralizing to remove any residual acid. Passivation involves treating the cleaned steel with a passivating solution, usually containing nitric acid, to form a protective chromium oxide layer on the surface. This layer improves the steel’s resistance to rust and corrosion. Both processes are crucial for ensuring the durability, appearance, and performance of stainless steel in various applications.